Only 10 fresh faces in new cabinet; several earlier era ministers dropped

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar inducted 20 ministers into his new Cabinet, with the swearing-in ceremony held on Monday evening. However, the much-anticipated expansion has triggered disappointment among several Congress leaders, as only 10 first-time ministers have found a place in the new team, while many senior leaders from former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Cabinet have been left out.

Among those dropped from the new Council of Ministers are Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Dinesh Gundu Rao, H.K. Patil, K. Venkatesh, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Shivanand Patil, Rahim Khan, R.B. Timmapur, N.S. Boseraju and Sharanabasappa Darshanapur.

While speculation had suggested that the new Cabinet would feature nearly 60 per cent fresh faces and 40 per cent experienced ministers, the final list has largely favoured continuity. Of the total ministers, 22 have been re-inducted, while only 11 legislators have entered the Cabinet for the first time. The composition has also drawn criticism over women’s representation. Despite demands from within the party to induct at least three women ministers, only one woman has reportedly been accommodated in the new Cabinet.

The exclusion of several aspirants has sparked protests from their supporters across the state. In Mysuru, supporters of Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait, who was widely expected to secure a Cabinet berth, staged demonstrations after his name was omitted from the final list.

Expressing his disappointment, Tanveer Sait said he was naturally upset at missing out once again and remarked that some leaders who had allegedly engaged in anti-party activities had been rewarded with

ministerial positions. The Cabinet formation has generated considerable political debate within the ruling Congress, with dissatisfied legislators and their supporters openly voicing their displeasure over the distribution of portfolios and representation in the new ministry.